MODULE 1

Lesson 4. APPROACHES TO PUBLIC POLICY

1. Cycle or Process-Based Approach

 Policy making as phased behavior leading from stimulus to new adapted
policy. It is said that a policy making has a certain cycle or process from one
stimulus to new adapted policy. From one stimulus it is the so-called that is
based from one policy maker to new adapted policy. When you called
adapted policy, this is now the output of the policy makers based on their
expertise.

It comprises different models which includes:

a. Systems model: Policy as demand or support for the political system. Meaning is
needed to be part in the political system of the government. Processes in politics
is not set aside. It is always a part of politics.
b. Institutional model: Policy as institutional output. Policy is the main output of
the institutions or what was called institutional model. So, when the government
operates, policies were created as a result. This what they should provide being
in the administration.
c. Process model: Policy as a political activity. It is telling that a policy being a part
of the mandates of the government. It is one of the political activities of the
government aside from their other functions.
d. Rational model: Policy as maximum social gain. It talks about that something to
benefits the entire population. That is why it serves us maximum social gains.
This is the expectation of the public to the government.
e. Incremental model: It is said that policy as variations on the past. Meaning it can
be adapted or continuing policy based on the previous policies adopted already
by the government.

2. Policy Actor-Based Approach (“Who Makes Public Policy”)

 Focuses on who controls or dominates the policy making process and who
benefits from it.

It comprises different theories which includes:

a. Group theory: Policy as equilibrium in the group struggle. Meaning the policy is
not made by a single individual but in a group. Equilibrium is about stability
which shows policy should be divided by a group of people towards a goal.
 b. Elite theory: Policy as elite preference. It talks about the elite groups that gravely
affects the policy making. Elites like wealthy individuals.
c. Public choice theory: Policy as collective decision making by self-interested
individuals. It tells us that not only individual policy makers should be involve in
the process but also for self-interested individuals like you, may, or the public
itself.
d. Game theory: Policy as a rational choice in competitive situation. Meaning
policies undergoes different deliberations before it is being authorized.
e. Sub-government model: Policy as shaped by the “iron triad” (congressional
group, administrative group, and special interest group). It is said that policy is
created by the highest point of group.

Activity: Provide five specific examples of regulatory policy that exist in the province and
discuss each policy according to its objectives and functionality.